“I love independent films, it’s the only place as an actor you’re totally allowed to breathe,” actor John Leguizamo once stated. In Egypt and the Arab World, independent films are difficult to make, without large budgets and with little support for the arts. Multiple filmmakers have said that they need to take jobs next to creating their films to support themselves financially. However, despite the financial obstacles, there have been many successful Arab-produced films, made by women about women’s stories, that have won awards across the world. Below is a collection of female-dominated independent films from the last 20 years that are easily available to watch, for free or for cheap subscriptions. 1. Pomegranates and Myrrh from Najwa Najjar on Vimeo On Demand Available for rent for approximately 60 EGP (4 USD) on Vimeo On Demand, Palestinian director Najwa Najjar’s 2008 film is a touching tribute of Palestinian experiences when a wedding turns into a detainment by Israeli forces. The film tells the humane story of love, dance, and the importance of Palestinian land. Despite the inevitable Palestinian connection, the film is focused on the relationships, and as Variety…
Six Female-Dominated Indie Arab Films You’re Missing & Where You Can Watch Them
September 4, 2020
